someone needs that wood.

Children were short on sleep and I wasn't in the best of moods. I briefly threw myself a pity party but I had to end it early on account of irritation. It is a such a tradition to thoroughly wallow in the ennui of an upcoming birthday. I had to kick myself down the steps and say, "buck up". I can never think of anything I genuinely want to do and then I get mad at myself. Grump grump grump.
I don't want to cook dinner and it is ridiculous to go out on New Year's Eve to a restaurant. I will get cassoulet from Cafe Campagne. (they do take-away and I did this a couple of years ago and liked it) I will also get some pretty pastries from a french bakery.
I will also go to Elliott Bay Books by myself and take my time to find good books to read. (I also have a twenty dollar credit I need to put to good use)
Then I can go on a walk with the family (if the weather isn't too wretched) and call it good. Maybe we will watch something fun on the television and see if we ancient folk can stay up to see the New Year and say, "yep. Another year. Not bad."

...

Received some thoughtful words from a wise person about being my own best resource. I suspect that the coming year will be about embracing what comes before me in a new manner. I will be taking on a lot of completely crazy new excitement and big changes will be afoot. All that taking initiative stuff and pushing myself out the door, even when I am completely terrified.